The quarterback Tim Tebow has been ruled out of the New York Jets' game against the San Diego Chargers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday – thanks to a migraine suffered overnight by the running back Joe McKnight. McKnight's problem has caused the Jets to keep another back, Khalil Bell, active in case McKnight is unable to play, meaning that while Greg McElroy will start at quarterback with Mark Sanchez as backup, there will be no room on the sidelines for Tebow.

The development came after reports on Saturday that Tebow was set to either pursue a trade away from the Jets in the offseason, or to become a free agent and sign with his hometown team, the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tebow will likely not be seen in a Jets uniform at MetLife Stadium again.

Tebow, who rose to fame with the Denver Broncos, chose the Jets over Jacksonville when he was traded in March. The Jaguars expect to have an open competition for their starting quarterback next year, after inconsistent performances from Blaine Gabbert and his successor as starter, Chad Henne, this season.